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Feeling the burn in the gym? Awesome. Feeling the burn from your razor? Less awesome. Razor burn is something we all face from time to time, but with the right steps, it can be managed. Discover the causes, prevention tips, and treatments below.

What is it?

Razor burn, or razor rash, is a skin irritation that can be caused by dry shaving, shaving that’s a little too aggressive, or shaving with dull blades. Typically, it arrives a few minutes after shaving, and can be in the form of a rash if bad enough. Razor burn and razor rash are not the same as clinical razor bumps, a condition caused by in-grown hairs. Learn how to manage razor bumps here.

Causes:

Dry Shaving

Always use a shave cream. Shave creams are packed with skin-protecting lubricants that help your razor glide across your face and can help hold in hydration as you shave. When the hair is hydrated, it swells and softens, allowing your razor to glide through the hair more easily. This can result in less tug and pull, less scraping on your skin, and less irritation. We recommend this one.

Pressing Too Hard

Getting overly aggressive with your razor is the fast track to razor burn. Tread lightly over a layer of shave cream or gel to keep your face centerfold-worthy. Let the razor do the work.

Prevention tips:

Swap Your Blades

Don’t get burned by bad blades. When you begin to feel discomfort, swap out your dull blades for less tug and pull during your shave. Want blades delivered on your schedule? Check out Gillette® Shave Club.

Don’t Get Burned by Re-Strokes

Men average about 170 strokes while shaving, and almost 120 of these are re-strokes. Once you scrape off the shave cream, be mindful of repeating strokes, as this decreases lubrication, which can lead to shaving irritation. Luckily, the Fusion® ProShield™ razor provides shielding from irritation, with lubrication before and after the blades.

Tread Lightly

The skin on your face is sensitive. Shave with the grain and a light amount of pressure to help avoid razor burn, irritation, and cuts.

Treatments:

Hydrate to Protect

Finish up your shave with a moisturizing after shave gel or lotion that refreshes your skin and replenishes moisture to leave your skin feeling more comfortable. We suggest these.